African TVET Students to Compete in Tech Skills Showdown As Africa Tech Challenge Season 10 Begins in Nairobi
African TVET Students to Compete in Tech Skills Showdown As Africa Tech Challenge Season 10 Begins in Nairobi. Africa’s technical future is in the hands of its youth and the 10th edition of the Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) is set to showcase this power in action. Set to commence on July 28, 2025, at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), this year’s ATC arrives with the transformative theme: “Dream and Invent Your Future.”
This powerful initiative is more than just a contest—it is a platform for African TVET students to demonstrate their capabilities in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. As the continent prepares for its Fourth Industrial Revolution, ATC Season 10 stands as a pivotal event inspiring skills development, youth empowerment, and industrial progress.
What is the Africa Tech Challenge?
The Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) is a premier pan-African competition organized by AVIC International Holding Corporation, in collaboration with Kenya’s Ministry of Education. Since its inception, it has aimed to equip TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) students with 21st-century technical skills, preparing them to meet modern industry demands.
Objectives of ATC:
| Objective | Description |
|---|---|
| Skill Development | Provide hands-on training in high-demand technical areas |
| Innovation Promotion | Encourage youth-led problem-solving and entrepreneurship |
| Industrial Transformation | Align Africa’s workforce with global industry trends |
| Regional Integration | Bring together students from across the continent |
ATC Season 10: What to Expect
ATC Season 10 celebrates a decade of innovation and skill-building. Under the banner of The ATC STORY@10, this year’s challenge integrates advanced training modules, cutting-edge tools, and continental collaboration to elevate Africa’s youth.
- 12 elite teams from across Africa
- 4-week competition hosted at TUK in Nairobi, Kenya
- Training in CNC turning, mechanical drawing, CAD software, and mobile app development
- Grand finale on August 24, where top performers will present working prototypes
Participating Countries
This season, TVET students from 12 African nations will compete. These countries represent diverse regions and share a common goal—accelerating industrialisation through innovation.
| Country | Region |
|---|---|
| Kenya | East Africa |
| Cameroon | Central Africa |
| Côte d’Ivoire | West Africa |
| Egypt | North Africa |
| Gabon | Central Africa |
| Ghana | West Africa |
| Guinea | West Africa |
| Senegal | West Africa |
| Tanzania | East Africa |
| Uganda | East Africa |
| Zambia | Southern Africa |
| Zimbabwe | Southern Africa |
A Decade of Impact
Over the past 10 years, Africa Tech Challenge has trained more than 1,000 top-performing TVET students, with over 1,300 youth benefitting from hands-on learning, global-standard mentorship, and industry certifications. Many alumni have transitioned into impactful roles across engineering, design, and entrepreneurship, actively contributing to Africa’s industrial development.
Alignment with Africa’s Vision: Agenda 2063
The African Union’s Agenda 2063 envisions “an Africa with well-educated citizens and a skills revolution underpinned by science, technology, and innovation.” ATC Season 10 perfectly echoes this vision, especially with its focus on emerging digital technologies and industrial tools.
Training components like:
- CNC machining
- Computer-aided design (CAD)
- Mobile-first app development
…are all tailored to bridge the gap between classroom theory and industrial practice.
Government and Organiser Support
Kenyan Government’s Perspective
Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria, Principal Secretary, State Department for TVET, emphasized:
“ATC Season 10 is about more than just machines and measurements; it’s about making history, realising dreams, and unleashing potential. It embodies the new Africa—one that values skills, rewards innovation, and embraces the global tech race.”
The Kenyan government’s full backing of this challenge highlights its role in supporting youth-led industrial revolutions and promoting job creation and self-reliance.
AVIC International’s Vision
Mr. Zhao Leilei, Project Manager of TVET at AVIC International, echoed the sentiment:
“This is more than a competition. It’s a continental classroom—a bridge to a better tomorrow. ATC lays the groundwork for engineers, inventors, and entrepreneurs who will transform Africa.”
Empowering Africa’s Industrialisation through Youth
Beyond awards and recognition, Africa Tech Challenge Season 10 serves as a skills accelerator. It empowers youth to:
- Solve real-world engineering problems
- Build job-ready prototypes
- Collaborate with multinational mentors
- Compete for scholarships and equipment
- Gain exposure to international industrial standards
Moreover, ATC contributes to modernising vocational institutions by equipping them with state-of-the-art industrial tools and educational materials.
The Power of Public-Private Partnerships
The Africa Tech Challenge continues to demonstrate the success of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in Africa. With government policy support and corporate investment from AVIC International, this initiative helps close the continent’s technical skills gap and lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth.
Amplifying the Message
ATC Season 10 isn’t just a training programme; it’s a movement to inspire change across Africa. Through vibrant campaign slogans like:
- #EngineeringAfricaTogether
- #BuiltToBuildAfrica
- #EmpowerTheMakers
…the organisers are calling on African youth to step forward and lead the next wave of industrial innovation.
Looking Ahead: The Grand Finale
The season will culminate on August 24, where student teams will present their innovations and compete for top prizes. These include:
- Full scholarships
- Industrial-grade equipment
- National and international recognition
This event is expected to attract governments, tech investors, educators, and global industry leaders, marking it as a defining moment for Africa’s industrial education sector.
Conclusion
Africa Tech Challenge Season 10 is not just a showcase it is a launchpad for the continent’s brightest young talents. With government backing, corporate support, and youth energy, Africa is shaping a future where TVET skills are central to industrialisation and development.
